REVISITING THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STORE SINGAPORE

A lunch pit stop at Garuda Restaurant for Indonesia Padang cuisine at VivoCity brought us to the National Geographic Store for the second time since I first visited it in Dec 2009. People say you never forget the first time and my first time walking into the store was one of the most amazing and unforgettable “multi-sensory adventure”.

| MY FIRST NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STORE SINGAPORE VISIT |

At the National Geographic Store at Vivo City. It's good to be back here! #fb—
JAN SHIM (@janshim) March 26, 2011

A collection of photographs since National Geographic team began their adventure in 1888.

Our guide Toon Hee and blogger Jonel fascinated by a photograph that caught their attention.

NG Store is a great place to meet old friends or make new ones with like-minded people who are curious about the world and care for our planet.

People from all over the world come to the NG Store to catch up with old friends. Besides the cafe, a great place to get together is the gallery where visitors share their passion for photography, travel, culture etc.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STORE SINGAPORE

What excites me about this post isn’t so much the discovery of the National Geographic Store but the events leading up to its discovery and more. The store is located on Level 1 of VivoCity shopping and is the only second one of its kind after London. My family and I had just spent the morning at Sentosa followed by lunch at Marche Restaurant and on our way to the Canon showroom, I stopped in mid drizzle to help a couple take a photo of them against the base of the giant iconic Christmas tree. Before we parted ways, I spared a moment to introduce myself and gave them my card (something I do not normally have on me while holidaying). Upon realizing that I was a photographer, we clicked right away and I could see the excitement in their eyes when they suggested that I must check out the photo exhibition in the gallery at the Nat Geo store which happened to be the last day too. ( The first reaction I had was, “National Geographic store in Singapore?” Well, just in case you’re a bit skeptical, here are photos from the store … taken with permission from store General Manager T C Koh including the gallery exhibits where photography was prohibited. Great news for ardent fans of NG no doubt—finally all NG merchandise in one hot spot! (Note: JANSHIM.COM is no longer active).

Every which way you look, the Nat Geo Store is a large shop where NG merchandise are sold. But what isn’t obvious is that the store also welcomes private and corporate events to be held right inside the NG floor space. The photo exhibition is one such event where the stores theme lends a great hand simply by virtue of NG marque. By that, Nat Geo’s expansive global coverage and network makes it the perfect platform and venue to hold an event. Interested parties can contact Mr T C Goh for more information.

EVOKING A SENSE OF PLACE

Welcome to Brunei, Kris, Kevin and Roland (and a big hello to fellow Bruneian photographers),

Introducing Kris LeBoutillier international photojournalist and author of the book On the Iron Rails of the Orient who has photographed assignments in a number of countries in Asia with thought provoking photographs published in National Geographic Traveler. In his presentation, Kris shared insights and tips that I consider useful along with a visual journey that inspires and stirs the senses. One of a number of things Kris looks for in a photograph is meaningful and creative use of light. The images below are my personal interpretation of light as seen through my 5DII and 50mm f/1.4 at ISO up to 6,400 in a very dim room. Before that some pictures of the Redrock Micro cinema rig for the EOS 5D Mark II—a serious tool for contemporary cinematographers who produce serious stuff in high definition.

An EOS 5D Mark II miniature that's more than just eye candy. It's also a 2GB pendrive with meticulous attention to details including a slightly oversized EF24-105 kit lens replica. What can I say, excellent choice for a door gift—we're all DELIGHTED!

↑ A great addition to my EOS 5D and 30 Million EF Lenses Anniversary miniatures

One of a series of photos of the 5D Mark II fitted with the Redrock Micro cinematic video kit mounted to the EF70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Seen here are the microFilter trays.

The white "ring" is the microFollowFocus with 35mm lens gearing for accurate and repeatable focusing.

Mr Steven Goh turning the dial on the microFollowFocus and using a HDMI LCD monitor that's tethered to the 5D Mark II for real time display.

The underbelly of the follow focus, mattebox and baseplate stainless steel rods

An associate and highly regarded professional cinematographer and photographer David Cheok checks out the SGD$5k retail Redrock Micro kit. Bro, any closer and it's sold :)

In focus is the Swing-away mattebox for light management and easy access to changing lenses

"The Moment. Something you can't plan for, it just happens. You always need to have your camera ready for the shot." advises Kris

"Learn to use your flash. Digital LOVES flash" emphasizes Kris as he describes use of flash to seize the moment.

The Big picture and the little details. The sort of stuff Kris looks for in a picture are: Moments, Light, Landscapes, Cityscapes, Details and Portraits

"The more you shoot the better your shot" and "never miss the details, the little things that make a place special"

Kevin Chua, Country Manager of Canon Singapore with one of Kris' large prints.

According to Kris, the EF16-35mm f/2.8 is one of his favourite work lenses. I own the EF17-40 f/4 and have recently found myself thinking of the EF16-35mm Mk II. My favourite lens on the 5DII is the EF70-200mm f/2.8 IS.

Something to smile about—another one of Kris' masterpieces unrolled to his audience.

"Capturing photographs that tell a story" A shot of the highly inspired and excited crowd by Kris at the end of the event and here's the story: WE WANT MORE! Click on image to see large size ↑

Here's a shot I took of Kris with the Canon and Interhouse folks who were responsible for hosting us all. Thank you very much! Click on image to see large size ↑

A postcard souvenir from Kris LeBoutillier that I got him to autograph on.

• EOS TRULY. A CANON SHOWCASE.

• CANON EOS. THE DARK SIDE SHEDS A LIGHT.